Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 2: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray on Saturday alleged that around Rs 18 crore in donations was being siphoned off annually from Mumbai's famed Siddhivinayak Temple and claimed that Rs 1,400 crore had also been stolen from the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

Addressing a programme organised by the MNS student wing, Thackeray said even places of worship were no longer safe from corruption and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speak on the issue.

"Frustrated youths visit temples, but even temples are not safe from corruption," he said.

Referring to the alleged irregularities at Siddhivinayak Temple, Thackeray cited a letter reportedly written by eight trustees to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

According to him, temple donations before the alleged theft came to light were less than Rs 50 lakh a week. After the irregularities were detected, the weekly collections reportedly increased to around Rs 1.5 crore.

"Every year, Rs 18 crore was being stolen," Thackeray alleged.

Responding to the allegations, Siddhivinayak Temple Trust chairman and Shiv Sena leader Sada Sarvankar said nine temple employees had been arrested in connection with the alleged theft of donations.

"We have filed cases wherever required," Sarvankar told reporters.

He maintained that the increase in temple income was also due to measures implemented by the trust, adding that annual revenue had risen from Rs 114 crore two years ago to Rs 182 crore.

Thackeray also referred to the alleged theft of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, claiming that Rs 1,400 crore had been stolen. Police have arrested multiple accused in that case, and the investigation is currently underway.